The Amansie Central District Assembly in the Ashanti Region has officially cut sod for the construction of a modern 24-Hour Economy Model Market at Mile 9, marking a significant step towards enhancing economic activity and improving livelihoods within the district.
The ceremony, described by many as a historic milestone, brought together key stakeholders including the District Chief Executive (DCE), Hon. Emmanuel Obeng Agyemang, popularly known as Pedro, the District Coordinating Director, Assembly Members, traditional authorities, religious leaders, assembly staff, and residents from Mile 9 and surrounding communities.
Addressing audience during the event, Hon. Emmanuel Obeng Agyemang outlined the vision behind the project, explaining that the market forms part of the government’s broader 24-Hour Economy initiative aimed at promoting continuous economic activity across the country.
According to the DCE, the policy seeks to ensure that trade, commerce, and service delivery are not limited by conventional working hours, thereby creating more employment opportunities, stimulating local businesses, and driving sustainable economic growth.
He noted that the Mile 9 Model Market is strategically designed to become a major commercial hub for the district, serving traders, farmers, artisans, and consumers from various communities within and beyond Amansie Central.
“The project is not just about putting up physical structures. It is about transforming livelihoods, creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and positioning Amansie Central as a key contributor to Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy agenda,” Hon. Obeng Agyemang stated.
He further explained that the market will provide a modern, secure, and accessible trading environment for agricultural produce, artisanal products, and other commercial activities. The facility is expected to improve market access for local farmers and entrepreneurs while boosting economic productivity in the district.
The DCE emphasized that the initiative aligns with the Government’s Medium-Term Development Policy Framework and the Assembly’s development priorities. He stressed that the project demonstrates the Assembly’s commitment to translating national development policies into practical interventions that directly impact local communities.
He expressed confidence that the successful completion of the market would attract investment, enhance business activities, and contribute significantly to poverty reduction and economic empowerment in the district.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Presiding Member of the Amansie Central District Assembly, Hon. Isaac Duah, called on residents of Mile 9 and neighboring communities to support and embrace the project.
He described the market as a major development intervention that would benefit both present and future generations, urging community members to take ownership of the facility once completed.
Hon. Duah further appealed to the contractor responsible for the project to prioritize local participation by engaging residents during the construction phase.
He noted that providing employment opportunities for local youth and skilled workers would help maximize the project’s economic benefits even before its completion.
Traditional leaders and community members who attended the event welcomed the initiative and expressed optimism that the market would improve trading conditions, increase economic activity, and accelerate development in the area.
The 24-Hour Economy Model Market project is expected to become one of the flagship development initiatives in Amansie Central, reinforcing government’s efforts to expand economic opportunities and strengthen local economies through strategic infrastructure investments.
With construction set to commence immediately, residents are hopeful that the project will usher in a new era of growth, business expansion, and socio-economic transformation for Mile 9 and the wider Amansie Central District.
